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Uber drivers protest at fee hike in first London demo Uber drivers protest over fee rise in first London demo
(about 3 hours later)
Uber drivers have staged a protest in London over pay in the latest challenge facing the rapidly expanding taxi business. Uber, the online taxi hailing service whose success led to demonstrations by rival operators in cities across the world, has faced a protest by its own drivers over pay in London.
The company, which allows customers to book and pay for a taxi via a smartphone app, has grown rapidly worldwide and is valued at more than $50bn (£33bn), has faced protests, bans and restrictions in several cities. In the latest challenge to the rapidly growing California company, about 300 protesters backed by the GMB union gathered on Thursday outside its London offices holding placards with slogans such as “Uber 1* rating for greed” and “Uber Xploitation”.
Some American Uber drivers previously protested against the San Francisco-based firm, which has since angered some in London by raising the commission it takes for many rides from 20% to 25% for new drivers.
Founded in 2009, Uber, whose investors include Goldman Sachs and Google, has had to overcome teething problems including legislative hurdles and opposition from traditional taxi drivers who have brought cities such as Paris and Brussels to a standstill. However, this is one of the first occasions when its drivers have demonstrated against the company.
About 40 protesters gathered outside its London offices on Thursday, holding placards with slogans such as “Uber 1* rating for greed” and “Uber Xploitation”.
The best turn out for Uber protest!! Exceeded all expecations #becausewecan pic.twitter.com/It2ng5vZloThe best turn out for Uber protest!! Exceeded all expecations #becausewecan pic.twitter.com/It2ng5vZlo
James Rarrar, a Uber driver and trade union representative , said: “The protest is about falling incomes all the time . Increasing commission is one way, there have been three fare drops in the last two years is another way, and to continue to flood the circuit (with drivers) so that there’s instant response is yet another way.” James Rarrar, an Uber driver and trade union representative , said: “The protest is about falling incomes all the time. Increasing commission is one way [it is done]; there have been three fare drops in the last two years is another way; and to continue to flood the circuit [with drivers] so there’s instant response is yet another way.”
Uber, which has more than 20,000 drivers in the capital, said the increased service fee would bring British drivers in line with rates charged elsewhere. It added that the majority of its drivers were happy, “but our door is always open to address any issues individuals have,” Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber London, said. Uber, which has more than 20,000 drivers in the capital and is embroiled in a legal battle with black-cab drivers, said the increase in the service fee from 20% to 25% for new drivers of its UberX service would bring British drivers in line with rates charged elsewhere.
The popular low-cost service was ruled legal by Britain’s high court last month, but London’s transport authority is consulting on plans to force Uber and others to ensure booking confirmation at least five minutes before a journey starts and allow advance booking. The majority of drivers are happy, “but our door is always open to address any issues individuals have”, said Tom Elvidge, the general manager of Uber London. Uber says UberX drivers make £16 per hour after the service fee.
Related: From Rio to Paris - Uber is fighting battles across the globe
Elly Baker, the national organiser for the GMB union, said she had tried to speak to the company about the service fee increase before the protest. “We offered to speak to them before this, but they turned us down.” She said union membership from Uber drivers was growing “exponentially”.
GMB has taken a legal case against Uber, arguing that its drivers should qualify for employee rights such as the minimum wage and holiday pay. The group says the drivers are self-employed.
The popular low-cost service was ruled legal by the high court last month, but London’s transport authority is consulting on plans to force Uber and others to ensure booking confirmation at least five minutes before a journey starts and allow advance booking.
Founded in 2009, Uber, whose investors include Goldman Sachs and Google, has had to overcome teething problems including legislative hurdles and opposition from traditional taxi drivers, who have brought cities such as Paris and Brussels to a standstill by blocking traffic. However, this is one of the first occasions in which Uber drivers have demonstrated against the company.